Maryland Gun Laws & Firearms Safety Practice Exam

What type of firearm safety device is required by Maryland law when transferring a handgun?

1. A gun safe

2. An integrated safety lock

3. A trigger lock

4. Any of the above

The correct answer is: A trigger lock

In Maryland, the law requires that when transferring a handgun, the firearm must be accompanied by a safety device that effectively ensures it cannot be fired while in transit. A trigger lock is one such device designed specifically to obstruct the trigger mechanism, making it impossible for the firearm to be discharged inadvertently. This requirement aims to enhance safety and prevent unauthorized use, especially during transfers. The other options, while related to firearm safety, do not fit the specific requirement as accurately as a trigger lock. A gun safe, while a very effective means of secure storage, does not necessarily apply during the immediate transfer process. An integrated safety lock can refer to built-in mechanisms that prevent firing, but these are not always present in all handguns. Therefore, while the other devices contribute to firearm safety, they do not fulfill the specific legal requirement for handgun transfers in Maryland as effectively as a trigger lock does.